Main Entry:

cost·mary

Pronunciation:

\ˈkȯst-ˌmer-ē, ˈkäst-\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural cost·mar·ies

Etymology:

Middle English costmarie, from coste costmary (from Old English cost, from Latin costum, from Greek kostos, a fragrant root) + Marie the Virgin Mary

Date:

14th century

: an aromatic composite Eurasian herb (Chrysanthemum balsamita syn. Tanacetum balsamita) having leaves used as a potherb and in flavoring